Our Method

Beyond Solar's approach to community development is a hybrid sytem that blends traditional donation models with
basic microfinance concepts. We provide capital to finance the purchase of solar powered lighting products and
villagers make weekly payments for the products they receive.

We create a sense of ownership and allow the villagers to be the recipients of charity in a dignified manner.
At the same time, Beyond Solar doesn't impose the burdensome interest rates or penalties for missed payments
that are requirements of profit-based organizations. Once the balance has been collected the money is then placed
into a community development fund and made available for future loans.

How It Works

1. Beyond Solar purchases solar powered lighting products

2. Selected villages learn about the value of solar lighting and individual households then agree to purchase
the products for the same price paid by Beyond Solar

3. Purchasing households use the avoided costs of kerosene and additional income available from added working
hours to make weekly payments.